On Monday (17 September 2018), Izzy Murray completed the Coast to Coast walk in memory of her friend Helena, whom she lost to suicide five years ago. Izzy was joined by her supportive friends and family at various points along the 192-mile route in aid of Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) Cumbria.

Each year, more than 6,000 people take their own lives across the UK: SOBS is a national charity which works to provide emotional support to those who have been left behind. SOBS Cumbria support groups meet once a month, with groups in North, South and West Cumbria. SOBS Cumbria also has a local 24/7 helpline and a closed Facebook group.

Izzy began the walk two weeks ago, on Tuesday 4 September. Throughout those weeks, Izzy trekked through three National Parks, “I really enjoyed my days in the Lakes, because I was walking with a different friend every day. I also really enjoyed my day walking though the heather of the North York Moors – it was the first time I saw the North Sea that day!”

With the end of the route in sight and the combination of a sore knee and unpredictable weather, Izzy soldiered on with family dog, Ed, who “walked double the distance we did, as he would run off ahead, have a swim in any stream he saw, then come back – his favourite part of the walk was the last day when he saw the huge expanse of the North Sea to play in!”

Izzy is “amazed and overwhelmed” with the funds she has raised: “There were some really lovely walkers who I saw on multiple days of the walk, who donated. £1,000 is what I really hoped to raise, but I didn’t think I’d get to £800, let alone over £1,000. I am so thankful to everyone who has donated.” In choosing to fundraise for SOBS Cumbria, Izzy hopes that she has made people aware of SOBS Cumbria and the work they do to support those touched by suicide.

Support Izzy

Izzy has raised £1,390 for SOBS Cumbria so far. You can show your support by making a contribution to her JustGiving page Alternatively, you can donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 directly to SOBS Cumbria by texting 'SOBS00 £[insert amount]' to 70070; you can choose a different method of donation here.

Support for people touched by suicide

If you are struggling with the death of someone who has taken their own life and need someone to listen to your experience and offer you support, please do get in touch. You can call the SOBS Cumbria 24/7 helpline on 07572 975 721 (John) or 07896 703 757 (Karan). You can also email us at hello@sobs-cumbria.org.uk , or you can visit us on Facebook and Twitter at @SOBSCumbria